Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-12-22

by DR.. f. B. Robinson

BILE JOY and a countenance that betokens
good feelings. 1t was simple thing
that caused this mirth for the sound of
many waters mingles its cadence of nlu-
sic as days before. The porpoise leaps
just as he did in mid ocean. But away
yonder looms up in the distance the
black coast of Ireland. How fresh and
solid it appears, as nearer and nearer 1t
comes. Who would think that such
barren, black, rocky coast could be the
home of such rich and rarely gifted
minds as Robert Emmett, Daniel O'Con-
nell, Donovan and host of Irish patri-
OTIS who when they died just began to
live in the hearts of all country men
who love liberty and national freedom.
Here is a little land that has gone
through all the struggles that flesh is
heir to, poverty, squalor, famine, war
and oppression, but, like the muscle Of a
blacksmith's arm, is stronger than ever
in the exercise Of the struggle. At this
writing Ireland is in fever of excitement
over an edict issued by the British gov
eminent which prohibits the meetings
of the various land leagues. Conflicts
between people and police are occur
ring in several places. Priests, lawyers,
physicians and citizens in general are
voicing their sentiments freely through
the Irish Press against this SO called OPP
preston. Excitement runs high, local
troubles have already occurred and gen
eral disturbance is anticipated. The
eastern coast of Ireland is very rough,
and the land appears rocky and poor in
soil. The farm land is divided into lots
of from one to many acres by hedge or
rock fences. The tenants generally live
in little low houses on the farm. 1t can
often be observed among the poorer
tenants that the COW occupies the yard
and the dog, pigs and children the kit
chen. In some of these small huts it
puzzles one where the frightful number
of little ones are slowed away at night,
but fellow traveller remarks that then
the Lord takes care of them. In direct
contrast to these little forms and poor
tenants are the Manors of Lords and
titled nobility. Hundreds of acles fine
~ divided and fenced with hedge hay
Ing central magnificent mansion as
residence for the Lord or owner of the
manor. Some times several hundred
acres are set apart for game and hunt
ing sport. In this manor residence the
j I 4
his wealth affords. No wonder that the
labOring Irishmen clamOrs and hopes
for the day when he can eat his own
potato on his own plate under his own
shamrock The ship moves along the
coast of the large county Of Cork which
has sent SO many Irish emigrants to
America. In this port of Ireland the
dialect is very pronounced and some is
difficult to understand. The farmers
are digging the potatoes. Away back in
the 40's famine prevailed in the regions
of Cork, and Queen Victoria visited the
place, since that time it has borne the
name of Queenstown. Here all mail
steamers stop and deliver the mail. 1t
is taken to the shore on tug and sent
by rail to its destination This expe-
dites mail matters as Queenstown is 240
miles from Liverpool and ships 60 only
15 miles an hour while trains go 40.
From here the news is telegraphed to
New York that such mail steamer has
arrived. Along the coast can be seen
the large white barriCks for soldiers
who guard the rights of nations. Now
begins, among the ship and fishermen
of these waters, poly glotism and poly
moneisms-many tongues are heard
and many kinds of money counted.
French, German and English is COM
mon speech with francs, marks and
pounds for money. Passing the coast
of Wales which is a thickly settled
country, rough and rocky. The vessel
arrives at Liverpool. From previous
travel in England few homely obser-
vations may here be noted on the diff
ference of speech in America and Eng
land. The written speech differs but
slightly, the pronounced speech consid-
C1SiDiC. IL 10 VI COutSC Vic 1IiC1G SGCGOL-
81 dialects and habitual phrase. The
American generally says 1.-TWO weeks"
the Engishman ga fortnight" (the Ger
man IA days. One is answered in the
United States by the long Eyes" while
in England by Eyes SIR" The United
States is fond of using the word guess"
which the English consider ignorant
and impolite and he will use fancy.
''See here" is peculiarly American
while ''you know" is peculiarly English
When the United States use ''hke'' the
English use''as, which can be observed
all through George Elliots works. The
English use the word storm when
Americans use the word ''cold''. The
English say person is ''stout'' while
the Americans say the person is
"feshy" The English calls for the
Gift the Americans for the elevator. !"